Move Past Negative Interactions During the Holidays

For some, it’s not so much the food as the stress that makes the holidays unhealthy. We interact with so many people during this time, some of whom we have less than pleasant relations. Maybe you have an ongoing argument with a sister who will be at the holiday dinner, or you run into an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend at a party. These interactions, as well as the other pressures of the holidays, can sometimes prevent us from enjoying the beauty, peace and love of the season.

Here are some ways to reduce family/friend-induced stress:

Give thanks

If you have pent up negative thoughts/feelings for someone you may see at a holiday gathering, make a list of ten things about that person you appreciate. It may not resolve your conflict, but it helps reduce your own stressful thoughts and feelings about that person.

Empathize

Sometimes we forget why other people are upset. When you are in a conflict with someone else, try to look past how they might have hurt you and remember what might be hurting them and causing them to lash out. Sometimes this understanding alone can diffuse tension.

Address negative relations before the holiday

If you have unresolved conflict with family members or friends, call them or meet with them before the holiday with the stated intention of resolving issues before the holidays. It may prevent arguments at a gathering.

Establish boundaries

Setting limits on friends and family interactions can keep tensions from rising. If you know you can only be around some family members or friends for a certain amount of time, plan to not exceed that time (set an alarm on your phone if you must). If you do not feel comfortable having certain family or friends at your home, make plans to meet them in public for a set amount of time.

Exercise

Going to the gym or for a run for an hour a day can greatly relieve stress and/or help build a reservoir of positive energy to balance the negative energy. This is especially useful during the holidays.

Watch alcohol consumption

The holidays offer all kinds of tasty alcoholic drinks, but alcohol can sometimes make people more sad, aggressive or obnoxious, which can lead to arguments. Before you go to a holiday event, plan how many drinks you will consume and keep accurate track of them at the event. Have a back-up plan if you over consume and feel negative feelings coming on. (Drunk-driving increases during the holidays so if you are going to drink alcohol, identify a designated driver ahead of time.)

Breathe

If all else fails, in a moment of tension, stop and take a deep breath, filling your belly with air, then letting it out through your mouth. Do this a few times to calm yourself down.

Since 1908 we’ve been caring for kids at all ages and stages of life. We see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven-state region. And since we’re pioneering treatments that are shaping the future of pediatrics, we’re providing the best possible care years before it becomes available at other hospitals.